Maine is one of the oldest states in the country and many of us are pretty proud of that. We often refer to the state’s history in our articles and almost every time someone will reach out with their own personal story. But, a long history often comes with some bad along with all the good. From war to bone-chilling tales or terror, every state has its share of ghost stories. Today we’re telling you just a bit about Prospect, Maine, a town that many know to be one of the most haunted in the state. In case you’re looking for an adventure this year that is unlike any other, try exploring a contender for one of the scariest small towns in Maine and see if you have what it takes.

Located in Waldo County, Prospect was settled in 1759 and has a population of only about 700 people today.
almostfoodies / Flickr
The town is nestled on the west bank of the Penobscot River and is often thought about in conjunction with the stand-out Penobscot Narrows Bridge.
The small town came to be as parts of Frankfort were set off and incorporated, ultimately being given new names.
dougtone / Flickr
Prospect was incorporated in 1794 and shipbuilding became an important industry. Less than a hundred years later, in 1859, Prospect had one gristmill, three sawmills and a shingle mill.
It was (and still is!) a lovely town.
mdmarkus66 / Flickr
There are many roads winding through the more rural areas. But, some say, there's always an air of spookiness hovering.
While Prospect has a rich history in its own right, the town is best known as the home of Fort Knox.
kim_carpenter_nj / Flickr
Construction on Fort Knox began in 1844. Builders used locally sourced granite (such hipsters!) from nearby Mount Waldo in Frankfort.
sarekofvulcan / Flickr
The fort was originally built to defend the Penobscot River and Bangor during the Aroostook War.
alanszalwinski / Flickr

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While Fort Knox was never fully completed, it is considered one of the best examples of a fortification on a sea coast in America. Work on the fort officially ceased in 1869.
kim_carpenter_nj / Flickr
Without the presence of Fort Knox, some might drive right past Prospect. But, it's the fort itself that gives the town its haunted appeal.
swolfe / Flickr
Visitors have reported seeing, hearing, and even feeling ghostly presences when they explore the fort’s cavernous inner-workings. The fort has been featured on the paranormal investigation show Ghost Hunters, as well as this independent documentary by a team of ghostbusters. The fort was never used in battle during the war, so no notable deaths have taken place there. But plenty of soldiers still manned it when it was operational. Some of them may simply be going back to work.
There have been seemingly endless reports of hauntings at Fort Knox.
swolfe / Flickr
These reports vary but almost always include people being touched or pushed. Doors that are locked and secure will open and close for no reason and there are stories of a ghost soldier that lingers in the area. In addition to these things, there are strange noises and, perhaps most spine-chilling, a deserted room used for security where people say they feel a strong presence of evil.
The town even made cable TV, when Ghost Hunters made a trip to check for paranormal activity.
swolfe / Flickr
Throughout Fort Knox, special light meters used for the study of ghosts lit up (without a power source in the fort!) and their thermal imaging detector picked up an unexplainable heat source. Heavy breathing is heard as well and, ultimately, the place is deemed to be highly haunted.
Fort Knox is certainly an important place to visit.
marksundstrom / Flickr
There are historical placards throughout the area and much to see. Plus, the nearby Penobscot Narrows Bridge has a beautiful observatory. But, remember to leave before it gets dark if you're easily scared!
almostfoodies / Flickr

If you’re interested in more information about one of the scariest small towns in Maine, check out this episode of East Coast Ghost Trackers, which focuses on Prospect’s most famous, ghostly attraction.

So, what do you think? Is this one of the scariest small towns in Maine? Sound off in the comments section! Or, if you’re interested in other spooky spots in the state of Maine, then check out this road trip to haunted places in Maine, which will give you directions for a wonderfully haunted road trip in Maine.

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More to Explore

Scariest Town In Maine

Marisa Roman | January 25, 2020

What is the most haunted place in Maine?

Beyond Fort Knox mentioned above, there are quite a few other haunted places in Maine that are worth adventuring through. Many visitors to Maine might not be aware of some of the spookier sights to see, but for those brave enough, some of these spots are worth the trek. Keep an eye out for one of the most haunted places in Maine, Anderson Cemetery, which has some of the oldest gravestones in the entire state. Or if you want to try your hand at other spots, then check out these haunted places in Maine that most people don’t know are haunted.

Where can I go ghost hunting in Maine?

  • If you aren’t ready to explore some of these spooky spots by yourself then we have another option for you. Ghost hunting in Maine is a highly coveted hobby for many, which usually includes being led by a tour guide through a place that has experienced significant paranormal activity. There are quite a few guide-led ghost hunts in Maine that are worth checking out, one of which includes Fort Knox mentioned above, which is a weekend-long experience.

What are the best small towns in Maine?

Don’t worry, there is so much more to this state beyond just haunted spots. While there are plenty of creepy places to visit in Maine for those looking for a good scare, there are also tons of beautiful small towns and cities that are also worth the journey. Many of these towns are waterfront or filled with charming communities that come alive during the warmer seasons. A few of the small towns worth mentioning include:

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Prospect, ME 04981, USA